Explore the world with tourHQ
Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, the Marangu Route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro and the oldest, most well-established path on the mountain. Many consider it the easiest route because of its gradual slope, and it is unique for its dormitory-style hut accommodation instead of tents. This 7-day climb includes an extra acclimatization day to improve summit success. Although popular, the route is often used in the rainy season and is known for being more crowded and less scenically varied than other routes.
At sunrise, you will reach Gillman's Point (5681m) - the crater rim of Kilimanjaro - where the sun will slowly begin to warm the land.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. There, you will meet your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and carry out an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing gear can be rented on this day.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to Marangu Gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you may catch a glimpse of some primates as you make your way to Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior.
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4-6 hours later, Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Today's stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the "Last Water Point," followed by the so-called "saddle." This nearly vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit, Kibo, with Mawenzi. Today's destination is Kibo Hut, which is usually reached in about 5-6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Today is "The Big Day" - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, and it will be long and strenuous. Passing Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely continues upward. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman's Point (5681m) - the crater rim of Kilimanjaro - where the sun will slowly begin to warm the land. You will soon have forgotten the cold of the night, and after a further hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you, followed by a 1-2 hour break before continuing back down to Horombo Hut.
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to Mandara Hut (2700m), where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass through the tropical rainforest, and after a total trekking time of 6 hours, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can enjoy a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Today, you may choose to relax at the hotel or extend your holiday by continuing with a safari. If not, our driver will transfer you to the airport to connect with your flight back home.
Where this trip takes you
Maundi Crater, Horombo Hut, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
